It’s important to learn how to empower yourself as a woman. However, just imagine a world in which women are safe — a world where a woman can look into the mirror without fear of being cat-called on her walk to work. A world where a woman can walk to her car at night without a trembling hand around the pepper spray attached to her key-chain.
A world where women are respected. How strange is it that while these wishes seem simple, they are unattainable in our society? While we have come a long way on the road to empowering women, there is still a long way to go. In the meantime, the good news is that certain traits can help women along the way.
Check out these five traits that can help you feel empowered to take safety into your own hands and take control of any situation you may be faced with.
She Has Healthy Boundaries
An empowered woman recognizes her value and protects her space. When you set solid and healthy boundaries, you know your limits and are not afraid to tell someone no. This greatly benefits your personal safety as you’ll do your best to never engage in activities that make you uncomfortable and that do not align with your own values.
Not only that, but setting boundaries gives other people a clear understanding of what you will and won’t tolerate. Understanding your personal boundaries is a great first step in empowering your personal safety.
She Has Confident Body Language
The unfortunate truth is that a woman walking on a street alone is more of a target than a man walking on a street alone. However, body language can play a crucial role in how you are perceived. For example, something as simple as keeping your spine straight when you walk radiates a sense of confidence making you less of a target.
There are several easy ways you can use body language to show you are not to be messed with. Start with asking yourself the following:
- Are you walking with your head up and shoulders back?
- Are you aware of your surroundings?
- Look at your hands. Are they free and visible?
- Does it look like you know where you’re going?
She Can Effectively Communicate
If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, having the right communication skills may just be the tool to get you out of it. Learning this is beneficial in all aspects of life.
Whether it be the workplace, relationships, or social events, effectively communicating is vital. Should you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, using the right words, among other things, could very well help to ensure that your safety is no longer compromised.
She Exhibits Good Discipline and Decision Making
Practicing discipline and making the right decisions can be a challenge. You may find yourself in a situation where you feel pressured to just “go along with it” even if that’s not the right decision for you. By consistently practicing discipline, even in times when it may be hard, you will learn to apply intentional standards to achieve meaningful objectives.
As a result, those tough decisions won’t be so difficult to make and in the long run you will feel more empowered to trust your decisions knowing it was to protect your own safety.
She Is Honest and Direct
Similar to effectively communicating, remember to always be honest and direct without fear of judgement. As women, we are expected to be kind, selfless caregivers. The only problem with this is that there are times when being too nice can lead you to a dangerous situation.
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable, be honest and direct about it. It’s not a crime to express yourself in times of need and it’s not a crime to be honest. Being directly honest could save your life.
Stay Consistent with Shelley Klingerman
Implementing these traits into your daily life doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes time and consistency. Shelley Klingerman and Stiletto Agency is here to offer consistent personal safety programming for individuals, groups, and organizations. To learn more, contact us today!
